HSMAI Global Launches Certified Hotel Sales Leader (CHSL) Certification

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Global has unveiled its new Certified Hotel Sales Leader (CHSL) certification, aimed at recognizing and enhancing the expertise of hotel sales leaders. This certification program focuses on the latest principles, practices, and strategies in sales and commercial leadership.

The CHSL certification is crafted for hospitality sales professionals who excel in leading high-performing teams, demonstrate strong commercial acumen, and apply best practices in sales to drive revenue growth. Key areas covered in the program include:

– Integration of sales and technology
– Building and retaining a high-performing sales team
– Managing the sales function
– Driving hotel sales through diverse marketing strategies
– Essentials of hotel distribution for sales leaders
– Leveraging data analytics

Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI, expressed his enthusiasm for the new certification: “We are very excited to add the CHSL certification to HSMAI’s distinguished family of commercial certifications, including the CRME, CHDM, CRMA, and CHBA. This new certification underscores our commitment to empowering hotel sales professionals with the vital skills and recognition they need to excel as successful commercial leaders.”

Key Benefits of the CHSL Certification:

– Recognition of expertise in hospitality sales leadership
– Validation of skills in recruiting, training, and managing sales teams
– Demonstration of comprehensive commercial acumen, encompassing sales, revenue management, digital marketing, and distribution
– Mastery in interpreting sales data and converting insights into actionable strategies
– Knowledge of best practices in hotel sales for revenue growth
– Enhanced communication of sales strategies

Program Details:

– Eligibility: Applicants need at least two years of sales experience in the hospitality industry and must complete the CHSL application, demonstrating a minimum of 50 points based on professional experience, industry involvement, coursework, and other qualifications.
– Exam: Approved candidates will receive a digital copy of the study guide, *The Hotel Sales Playbook: Winning Strategies for Success*, and must pass an online examination covering essential functions of hospitality sales.
– Cost: HSMAI members can register for $500, while non-members can register for $675. Re-examination and recertification fees apply.

Achieving the CHSL certification will provide HSMAI members with professional recognition, enhanced career advancement opportunities, and the ability to contribute more effectively to their organizations’ success. For further information, visit hsmaiacademy.org/certification-hotel-sales-leader or contact Kathy Tindell at kathy.tindell@hsmai.org.

The CHSL certification is a significant step forward in professionalizing hotel sales leadership, offering a structured pathway to develop and validate essential skills in the industry.